Knedlíky (Czech Bread Dumplings)
Description
Chef John's simmered knedlíky, or Czech bread dumplings, make the ultimate comforting dish when served with gravy on top.
Ingredients
•
1 cup warm milk (105 degrees F (40 degrees C))
•
1 tablespoon white sugar
•
1 teaspoon active dry yeast
•
1 teaspoon kosher salt
•
1 large egg, beaten
•
2 3/4 cups quick-mixing flour (such as Wondra®), or more as needed
Directions
1
Gather all ingredients.
2
Combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let sit and bloom for about 10 minutes.
3
Add egg and kosher salt to the yeast mixture. Pour in 2 ¾ cups flour. Stir with a wooden spoon until it starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl and forms a dough.
4
Knead on a lightly floured surface until dough is smooth and slightly elastic, about 3 minutes.
5
Transfer to a lightly oiled bowl, flipping the dough to coat the top in oil. Cover and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 2 hours.
6
Transfer back to your work surface; press out the excess air and form dough into a relatively uniform ball.
7
Cut dough into two equal pieces. Form each piece into a uniform ball. Roll each ball into a tube, 2 to 2 ½ inches wide. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let proof for 20 to 25 minutes.
8
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a steady simmer.
9
Carefully pick up a risen piece of dough and transfer to the simmering water. Bring back to a simmer. Cover tightly and let simmer for 10 minutes. Uncover, flip, and continue to simmer for another 10 minutes.
10
Transfer to a plate and poke all over with a toothpick or wooden skewer, which releases the steam from the center.
11
Use a piece of string or thread to cut into 3/4- to 1-inch dumplings. Transfer to a serving plate. Repeat Steps 9 to 11 to cook remaining dough.
12
Serve and enjoy.